Only one parent may claim the child for Earned Income Credit reasons. If you are not the parent claiming the child for Earned Income Credit purposes, check the box to allow the other parent to claim the Earned Income Credit for the dependent.
Example: A divorced couple has a custodial agreement. The child lives with the mother, however, it is the father's year to claim the child on the tax return. The mother is claiming the child for Head of Household filing status. The mother would check this box on her tax return so she can still claim Head of Household as her filing status but the father is able to claim the child for Earned Income Credit purposes.
How do I claim this within the program?
If you are claiming a dependent on your return for Head of Household purposes but do not wish to claim the Earned Income Credit for that dependent, go to:
- Basic Information
- Dependents/ Qualifying Person
- Enter the dependent (edit if the dependent has already been entered)
- Select the box indicating you do NOT want to claim the dependent for Earned Income Credit purposes